The 5 Best Huarache Sandals [Top Rankings and Reviews]

Huarache sandals are a style of handwoven sandals that originated in Latin and Central America. Traditionally these sandals were handcrafted from durable leather hides and featured a single

braided or woven strap that was fastened around the foot thong-style to hold the sole of the sandal in place.

These sandals have stood the test of time because they are easy and affordable to make while being durable. Some of the best quality sandals can last up to ten years of heavy use. They have even become a popular running option in central America due to the highly durable, yet comfortable barefoot feel that they provide.

While their history dates back to the 17th century, huarache sandals did not gain popularity in North America until the 1960s. Since then, they have maintained steady popularity and are now produced in a variety of styles and colors for men, women, and children.

Comparing The Top 5 Picks

What are huaraches good for?

Huarache sandals are a good, durable, and effective footwear option widely popular in Central America and Mexico. Traditional huarache sandals are handwoven and made from all leather which allows them to endure all kinds of conditions, including the wear of running.

Huaraches are good for anyone looking for a minimalist footwear design that offers a thick protective soul, while otherwise allowing the feeling of walking barefoot. For this reason, huarache sandals were popularized throughout North America by the free-loving hippie generation of the 1960s.

But they are more than just a popular fashion choice. Huarache sandals are handmade from leather so they do not require specialized machinery or materials to produce. Yet, they are a sturdy shoe so they are also a good choice for anyone who needs to make their shoes.

DIY Huarache Sandals: Making Your Own

Huarache sandals are traditionally handmade. Whether you are a skilled leather craftsman or you are just looking to make your own pair of simple sandals, the huarache is a good beginner design thanks to its minimalist design.

Buying Guide

Modern-day huarache sandals come in a wide variety of styles covering everything from ultra-simplistic leather designs to multi-color woven fabric or leather shoes. The traditional huarache sandal was designed with a single braided leather strap, the design has evolved with the popularity of the sandal.

Best Huarache Sandals: Reviewing Our #1 Pick

Hands down, the most popular variation of the huarache sandal today is a woven upper style sandal with rubber bottoms like this Nisolo Ecuador Traditional Huarache. True to its roots, this sandal is handmade in an ethical Peruvian factory.

These shoes are crafted from soft, hand-cut leather that is braided and woven to create an aesthetically-pleasing and sturdy shoe. The handcrafted leather uppers are sewn onto a durable rubber sole.

What we love about these sandals:

• Each pair is uniquely crafted by skilled tradespeople.
• The uppers are made from soft, supple leather that breaks in easily and feels great on your feet.
• Each purchase supports a Latin American tradition with a long history.

What to consider:

• These are made from leather and will stretch. The manufacturer has taken steps to minimize stretching, but it will still naturally occur.
• Shoes are notoriously difficult to purchase online. If you have wide feet or extra narrow feet, it can make it even more difficult to get a good fit.

Overall these are an excellent option for anyone looking for a pair of handcrafted huarache sandals. The leather is soft and easy to break into your foot as long as you start with a good fit. The good thing about huarache sandals is that they allow your foot to lay flat and not curl your toes. You will want to start with a snug fit as the leather will stretch over time.

Types & Styles of Huarache Sandals

Huarache sandals come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors with specific trends more or less popular based on age and gender. Traditional Mexican huarache sandals look a lot different than the styles that have become popular throughout North and South America since the 1960s.

Huarache Sandals For Women

The most popular style of huarache sandals for women is a blend between a loafer and a sandal with a woven leather upper attached to a rubber sole. These sandals are best worn barefoot and can be easily dressed up or down depending on the woman’s need.

Women’s huarache sandals come in a wide variety of colors, including several shades of natural browns and brighter colors of dyed leathers like pink, orange, and yellow. Many women find high-quality, authentic huarache sandals to be comfortable and stylish for the warmer months.

Huarache Sandals For Men

While the minimalistic and woven designs of huarache sandals may not scream masculinity, there are still several classic options available for men who prefer a minimalist shoe. The loafer style huarache comes in a more masculine design and is great for dressing up a polished summer look.

A more authentic huarache sandal can provide a more free-ing footwear experience, almost like walking barefoot, but with enough sole protection to be comfortable. There is a little bit of a stigma surrounding men’s sandals, especially in the United States. But for any man who feels comfortable in bare feet, the huarache sandal provides the most minimalist sandal available.

Huarache Sandals For Girls

The growing popularity of huarache sandals has exploded the options available. These sandals are now made in different materials like nylon or even dyed leather which opens the door to a blank canvas of possibilities. Some designs are adorned with trinkets and embellishments like small flowers for a feminine look.

The most popular huarache styles for girls are the more modern woven top sandals made with dyed leather or nylon bands. The woven top provides a design element and the color options enhance the aesthetic and make the sandals look more feminine, preferred by girls of all ages.

Huarache Sandals For Kids

Huarache sandals are a surprisingly good option for children. During a time when their feet are still growing and developing, some argue that wearing shoes often is not good for their growth. The huarache can easily solve this problem during the warmer months by providing a more open and flexible shoe bed that allows the foot to lay naturally.

Kids are also notoriously hard on shoes. An authentic huarache sandal made from real leather will be durable and more likely to hold up during the whole summer season. And, if something easy on the wallet is what you are going for, you can DIY these sandals in every color with a little rubber and colorful nylon rope.

Mexican Style Huaraches

Perhaps you have noticed that the term huarache sandal is used to refer to a more than one distinct style of sandal. The word huarache is a Mexican term for the word sandal so it is often used broadly.

However, the true Mexican style huarache refers to the thong-style sandal design that features a sole and a single braided strap.

Other designs that are also commonly referred to as huaraches, including the woven top loafer-style sandals are also accurately called huaraches, but are not representative of the authentic Mexican-style huarache. These sandals are still handmade in Mexico and other countries today.

What to Wear with Huarache Sandals

Huarache sandals, a warm-weather favorite, are incredibly versatile. They can be worn in a put-together casual look and either dressed-up with a little glam or dressed-down for an ultra-relaxed look.

For women, huaraches look best with a cropped jean or pants. Find the perfect balance between casual and classy by pairing with a flowy, loose-fitting top and a pair of chunky earrings. Dress your look up a little more by switching to a fitted top and a cropped blazer. Or, dress it down by untucking your shirt and losing the jewelry.

For men, please just learn to say no to the socks and sandals look. You can pair your huaraches with shorts or even a cropped jean or pant that falls at the top of the ankle. You don’t want to be walking around on the hem of your pants, and it’s more difficult for men to pull off the capri look so hem-length is important. A button-down shirt and khaki shorts provide a classic look with genuine leather huaraches.

For kids, the rules of styling are a lot more relaxed. Kids outfits are usually a color-bomb anyways, so finding a fun sandal to go with any outfit is pretty simple. If it is summertime, kids will be wearing shorts or dresses, both are appropriately paired with huaraches sandals.

Related Questions

Are huarache sandals comfortable? 

Huaraches sandals can be made from different materials, but high-quality, genuine leather huaraches will break in easily and fit comfortably. Look for a manufacturer that makes authentic sandals that are handwoven from soft, supple leathers.

These sandals are very comfortable, especially if you are comfortable walking barefoot. Different materials will affect the level of comfort for a particular sandal, but high-quality leather is the best choice for a comfortable sandal.

How do you wear huarache sandals? 

Huarache sandals are a fan-favorite in the summer months throughout the western world. They pair easily with dresses and skirts, shorts, and cropped pants. If you wear a full-length pant, be mindful of choosing a short, ankle-length hem.

Huarache sandals fit nicely with any outfit. They can be paired with a button-down shirts or blazers for a classy look. Or, baggy tops and untucked t-shirts for a more casual feel. A brightly patterned dress can be a perfect companion for these sandals as easily as a bare-bones neutral color palette.

Do you wear socks with huaraches? 

There is only one hard and fast rule when it comes to wearing huarache sandals and that is – barefoot. It might have been cool to pair your Birkenstocks with socks once upon a time, but let’s be clear that the huarache was not part of this trend.

The only exception to this might be if you wear them while breaking the sandals as a new pair of sandals can rub and cause blisters. But if this is your choice, you might want to do it around the house as your socks and sandals fashion statement might attract undesired attention.

Why are huaraches so tight? 

Huarache sandals are typically made from genuine leather. While leather is supremely durable and comfortable once it is broken in, it stretches. If you start with a sandal that fits loosely, by the time it is broken in, it will fall off of your foot too easily. Always buy your sandal with the idea that the leather will stretch some overtime.

Are huaraches good walking shoes? 

If you are interested in a more natural, barefoot walking experience then a traditional Mexican huarache sandal can be an excellent choice. It is different, especially if you are accustomed to a lot of arch support from your shoes, but they can be a good choice if it is what you are looking for.

Huarache sandals do not work well for anyone who needs a good amount of support from their shoes. They provide virtually no arch support and may not be tolerated for long-term wear. If you are unaccustomed, always bring a backup pair of shoes that provide plenty of arch support. If your foot begins to fatigue, change your shoes immediately.

How do you break in huaraches? 

Breaking in a sandal means that you are acclimating and stretching the leather to fit your unique foot. There is no shortcut to doing this, but starting with a high-quality leather will make the process easier. To break them in you just need to wear them. Plan to wear them for several short periods until they are completely broken in. This means that you need a backup pair of shoes anywhere you go during this process.

Wrapping Up

Huarache sandals have maintained popularity over many years because they are comfortable, durable, and stylish. Traditionally used for work, travel, and running, they are now a widely appreciated fashion staple of the summer wardrobe.

Huarache sandals come in a variety of styles that appeal to men, women, and children. These shoes are best suited for anyone who prefers a more natural, minimalist footwear experience. These sandals usually allow plenty of flexibility and room for the foot to lay naturally without cramping the toes. They are most similar to how the foot works when walking barefoot, but has the added protection of providing a sole to walk on.